Beatles - Sgt Pepper UK Mono *DECCA* Contract Pressing

THE BEATLES - 'SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND'

1968 UK 1st *MONO* PRESSING LP

**DECCA 'CONTRACT' PRESSING'**

Unknown to exist until recently, this DECCA contract pressing Of 'Sgt Pepper..' is not listed in the UK 'Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide 2008' and unheard of by some of the biggest Beatles collectors in the world. It is arguably the rarest UK pressing of 'Sgt Pepper'.

This rare UK DECCA contract pressing is in mono & is on the black & yellow Parlophone label: PMC 7027
Both labels carry the 'Sold in UK..' text but carry 'Gramophone Co..' rims.Both labels bear the distinctive 'Decca groove' which runs around the label 1cm in from the edge.
There is no tax/price code is visible on either label.

Both sides are pristine & unmarked in daylight and show no scuffs, marks or scratches whatsoever.
Close inspection directly under a halogen desk lamp reveals just a few small stylus hairlines and some light inner-sleeve removal marks but no major wear.
100% flat both sides on the turntable with no dishing or warping.

Audio: EXCELLENT

This copy has clearly only received just some careful, light play on top quality equipment.
Careful listening at volume reveals a touch of light background on 'She's Leaving Home' and a few light ticks on the side 2 run-in & final fade-out.
Otherwise the sound throughout is warm & clear with no further notable or major audible fault to either side.

Unlikely to surface again in any condition.

Cover: EXCELENT PLUS

A vibrant front panel with an unscratched high-gloss laminate which bears just a few tiny spine wrinkles but no 'thumbnail' creases at all.
All corners & opening edges are clean and sharp with no traces of wear to any side.
The rear panel is as clean & glossy as the front with just a small rub to the upper right corner but no other wear.
The inside of the gatefold is pristine and clearly has remained unopened for many years.
The spine is clean and retains its 100% laminate covering with undamaged text.
All seams are strong, unstressed & unsplit.

Cut-out Sheet: MINT

**Please see my other listings for some more rare UK Beatles Records**

Strict visual grading in daylight and directly under a halogen desk lamp.

This disc has been carefully audibly graded in its entirety on a Rega P9 deck fitted with a Shelter 901 cartridge.

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